6 yr old possible dyslexia?

[Hellobell]

Hi,

I have such a strong feeling and so many things are pointing towards my son having dyslexia, he’s turning 6 soon, I don’t want to wait until he’s 7 for the diagnosis I want to start helping him now, how can I do this ? Struggles with reading and maths but I just don’t know what steps or how I can benefit him.

What makes you think he has dyslexia? What does he specifically struggle with in maths/ reading? Has he had his eyes checked?

At this age, they can struggle to get maths and reading then suddenly things click. Some kids also don’t like the phonic system. I think it’s why they try to push the age to check back as you want to rule out normal problems with reading/ maths in that age.

For reading, if phonics isn’t working, try the Peter and Jane books. It’s about memory which some dyslexic people can be very good at. For maths, try using objects, like cubes, to reinforce the relation between numbers and amounts.

I went through school, a degree, a teaching qualification and part way through a masters until I got my dyslexia diagnosis. I’d just learnt ways to get around my issues but it would have been much easier if it was found out earlier.

Thank you for your reply.

I had my sons school report, and it says he is behind his peers with reading, and at home, I’ve noticed early indicators often associated with dyslexia:

• Difficulty with rhyming and phonemic tasks
• Word confusion—e.g. repeatedly saying “pharmacy” instead of “stationery”
• Trouble recalling days of the week without encouragement
• Excellent memory for topics he is passionate about (for example on holiday the guide spoke about the animals and our son remebers so much)

These signs align with recognized early dyslexia markers, including phonological awareness challenges, sequencing issues, and word recall difficulty

Also very forgetful he kept asking to go to the pharmacy the other day when he actually meant the stationary and i couldn't believe how many times I had to correct him, in fact if I asked him today I'm sure he would say pharmacy again :(

Im worried and i know i shouldn't be, but i just want to make his life at home easier and for him to feel understood and for me to be also able to assist with helping him correctly with his learning at home.

Start by speaking to the school. What support are they providing? What have they already tried but hasn’t worked?

I would continue to persevere with phonics but with more support.

At this age, I wouldn’t worry too much as some of those things are just an age thing. But, I wouldn’t hurt to try dyslexic support systems to help.

Id first rule out eye issues- so get an opticians appointment. Irene Syndome might be something to look at too. But to test can be a pain as not every place does it. I had heavy indicators for it but couldn’t find a test center near me.

You could then try the coloured sheets (overlays) . See if the school have some you could try but they aren’t super expensive . It’s very much trial and error. I found turning my phone settings to very dim helps me - but that’s if your son uses tech.

Days of the week can be remembered with songs- try YouTube. I used one that mirrored the Adam’s Family theme tune when I taught.

ok thank you for your reply, yes i originally thought it was his age until i saw the "20 signs of dyslexia" and realised how many he ticked off.

I will get him booked in to have his eyes tested and will see about the test you mentioned.

He's not into tech at the moment but loves crafts and stuff and loves writing me letters so always getting our practice in for handwriting :)

Yes the Adams family one is the one the teacher sent us to use at home so ill get playing that frequently.

I appreciate the help.